The dreaded re-read

[severence25]

Well because I'm a massive glutton for punishment I'm a big of ASOIAF and WoT fan and I'm wondering how everyone is going to approach the release of the next instalments of both these series later this year.

Both are hideously complicated with stories and characters scattered all over their respective worlds doing various different things and involved in numerous plots and intrigues and because I'm not only a glutton for punishment I'm also a stickler for the details I'm considering reading both these series again. I hate reading books and not remembering why something is happening, or what this obscure event is all about that happened five books ago characters are referring to (Robert Jordon I'm looking at you). It usually ends up with me flicking through the previous books trying to find out what the hell went on!

Is anybody else like me? Or are you just going to go with the flow and accept you won't remember everything that has happened over the previous ten million pages of tedium some of which you read many years ago?

 

[D_Davis]

I don't read these, but I bet a good Wiki would be your best bet.

 

[Trailblazer]

What's dreaded about it? :/

If you liked something the first time you will most likely again.

Ive read WoT series 3 times over the last 7 years, upto the respective highest book at the time. Read ASOIF through again when book 5 came out. I say go for it on both counts.

 

[HareBrain]

What's dreaded about it? :/

If you liked something the first time you will most likely again.

Not necessarily, or at least, not as much. Because you know what's going to happen (unless you have a poor memory) you don't get the same suspense with a re-read. If that was a large part of what you got out of it the first time, a re-read might be a chore, or inefficient use of valuable time.

I haven't re-read anything for years, and I won't re-read ASOIF in preparation for ADWD; I'll just muddle along, and if I get really stuck remembering who's who or what they did, I'll look it up on t'internet.

 

[elvet]

I actually enjoy the reread as much as the first time around. The subsequent reads allow me to enjoy the details and subtleties I often miss in the inital read when I get caught up in the 'what happens next' anxiousness. I recently finished my second read of ASoIaF, and appreciated it all the more. Soon I will be starting a 3rd read of the Malazan books, and I'm looking forward to it.

 

[Lady of Winterfell]

I also enjoy a good reread, if the series/books are worth it and can stand up to it. I think ASOIAF can, as I'm on my 3rd time reading these books, and still noticing things I haven't before. But if you decide not to reread, there are chapters summaries over at Tower of the Hand.

 

[Connavar]

I never re-read unless its a fun or great book/series i cant remember well anymore.

I havent re-read a single book since i started reading seriously. Im starting to feel now to re-read books cause the many books that share my memory banks these days.

 

[Rodders]

I tend to go through phases of rereads and i find it a good way to get more out of a book that you alreay know you enjoy. The reread allows you to get a little deeper and pick things up that you didn't notice before. Naturally, i only do it with my favourite books.